Conference on driving in an ageing society was held in Finland 1999.
Organized by Liikenneturvan and Ministry of Transport and Communications)
STATEMENT FOLLOWING CONFERENCE
| Over the coming years the ageing of the population will mean a significant increase in the number of elderly drivers. Many of the physical and mental abilities required on the road inevitably deteriorate with age. anti the concern is that this will be manifested as an increase in traffic accidents. Stricter controls have been demanded for elderly drivers as well as the removal of their right to drive. For many olderpeople. however, a car is often the only available means of mobility, for managing their daily business and for establishing and maintaining social contacts, especially in sparsely populated areas. Furthermore, remaining active is a way of staying in good health and being able to manage independently for as long as possible.
The conference on Driving in an Ageing Society, held in Naantali in Finland on October 21-22, 1999, examined the problems and issues surrounding elderly drivers from different view points. The conference wishes to draw attention particularly to the following points: 1. Studies show that elderly drivers do not in fact represent a special risk group on the road. 2. Research as the basis for decision-making |
Elderly drivers who wish to continue driving must be supported for as long as this is possible without endangering safety. For those who under the present arrangements would have to give up driving completely, the alternative of intro ducing a restricted driving licence in order to safeguard their essential needs for mobility must be investigated. Other means of mobility must be available for those who have to give up driving.
4. Support for maintaining the ability to drive
Elderly drivers should be offered affordable further training tailored to their needs. For those who are unsure of their driving ability there should also be the opportunity to under go affordable assessment and testing, and information on the effects of ageing on driving should be easily available from different sources.
5. Greater account must be taken of the needs of the elderly in vehicle development and improvements to the traffic environment
Driving difficulties can be eased by making the traffic environment clearer and simpler. Special attention should be given to improving the use of junctions and clarity of traffic control. Vehicles can be improved by better positioning of control equipment and making observation easier, which would also help elderly drivers. The fragility of elderly drivers also demands that attention be given to safety equip ment and vehicle security features.
6. Improvements needed in methods for assessing driving ability and in the skills of those assessing it
Methods must be developed for reliably assessing and measuring the real driving ability of elderly drivers. Clear instructions should be drawn up for doctors and the authori ties in order to ensure the consistency of driving ability assessment. Cooperation between doctors, the police, driving instructors and testing authorities must be developed through systematic training.
7. Doctors should be given a greater responsibility and a system should be considered whereby doctors would have a right and/or obligation to notify
Routine health examinations linked to age should be aban doned,
8. Influencing public attitudes
Efforts must be made to remove misconceptions and im prove public attitudes towards elderly drivers by highlighting the true facts.
